Nice new turn here! I love the idea of Alfstanna and her lover - and very much enjoyed the conversation between the two of them as well. It felt very much like an established relationship and gave a good glimpse of each of their personalities.

"It is sad but, mighty lover that I am, I can't get sounds like that out of her" - you really have a talent for such comments! Also, I liked the juxtaposition of the tender fluff and the dark reminders of the past.

The comment about preferring to kill another Archdemon to shopping with Leliana made me giggle. :) She and Zev are really good friends to Lhaine, it's good he has them.

Your description of Lhaine's fear is so realistic and convincing, from the scene of his arrival to the moment he agreed to sleep with Alistair. The conflicting emotions on his face said it all - he wants to be with Alistair, but he doesn't want pity, even though he's aware he's damaged goods...

I love your Eamon. It was refreshing to read a story where he's not a total jerk. :)

But most of all, I love Alistair. He seems more mature and responsible, but also more determine to achieve what he wants. And that last sentence was really cute!

Er... it probably wasn't meant as such but I couldn't help but chuckle at the image of certain very specific arrangements the Fereldan court is about to experience :-) Under these circumstances, Alfstanna is really a good choice. I liked her very much at the Landsmeet, and she truly seems a practical while also caring woman - Alistair could hardly find anyone better!

This is amazing story. I also always felt that the 'interrogation' at Fort Drakon would have much worse consequences than just few bruises. And it makes perfect sense that the Dalish would have problems to stay near the shems after that. Especially if the man he loved could not stand by him, at least not openly.

And I love your Zevran - a loyal and fierce friend. And it is refreshing to read the story where there is no love rivalry between Zev and Alistair.

Lhaine is also interesting character, and his suffering is very realistic and well written. The scene where he went to sleep with halla was really touching.

I'm really curious where you will take this, and if Lhaine will overcome his pain. :)

I'm really getting to appreciate Zevran after reading this, and it's much better than the sex-obsessed self presented in the game. I'll keep reading to see if Lhaine overcomes his trauma - I wish it for him, but some wounds never truly heal. Also, a good observation about being spent after giving too much of himself: even a hero has only that much strength as he can give.

Zev does tend to take over, doesn't he? I very much like the rare Zev-as-friend position he's taken here - it's always interesting to see Zev when he has no sexual agenda - and I think the tension and unhappiness and longing inside Lhaine is palpable.

Ah. Every time I remember Riordan saying "no worse for wear after Fort Drakon", I feel like kicking him somewhere where it really hurts, and Gaider (or whoever wrote that particular line) just next. Will I be considered vile to say that the beginning was delightfully nasty and deserving? And, following Zev's reasoning about the hand and the sword, I presume that Loghain is dead in your fics, isn't he? An excellent job! The same goes for the second part with the friendly sentiment and Alistair's final hardening. I guess I'll be back for some more read soon :-)

Great opener! I enjoy your world-weary but still somewhat clueless Alistair and your very dangerous Zev with the soft heart. Looking forward to seeing where this goes!